This Emperor Is Running a Marriage Scam - Chapter 257

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 257

The bird had said something truly unexpected.
Whenever I wanted to go somewhere, it would carry me there—and all it asked in return was that I prepare food for it myself each time.
The necklace the bird had given me conveyed the Divine Beast’s will to me, but it also served as a tether, allowing me to summon it to my side anytime, anywhere.
“Just give me a summoning name, and call whenever you need me.”
In truth, the bird’s proposal was tempting. If I could ride it, I would possess the fastest means of travel in this world.
But I refused.
“I’m so glad my cooking pleases you. But you don’t need to speak of obligation.”
“You won’t give it to me anymore?”
“No—come whenever you’re hungry. Come whenever you wish.”
Standing before me was nothing less than a Divine Beast of the Spirit King himself. So long as the Spirit King watched over the Gate, his retainer deserved respect without my needing to offer anything in exchange.
Yet the bird spoke with a dejected expression.
“I cannot accept without a price. That is my master’s law.”
“What? Really?”
“Don’t you want me to carry you?”
“That’s not it. It’s just… there’s a problem.”
“A problem?”
“You’re rather striking, aren’t you? If people keep seeing me with you, you’ll draw attention.”
The first time a Divine Beast appeared, people might gaze in awe. But if it happened often, the story would be different.
“Ah, don’t worry about that. I can move without being seen.”
The bird shrugged, and as if to prove it, it shimmered and vanished, then reappeared.
“See? All you need to do is give me a summoning name.”

* * *

The Marriage Annulment Law.
It was the first matter raised at Bloden’s inaugural council of state.
The ministers who attended that council were baffled as to why the Emperor concerned himself with such legislation.
But as days passed after the Gate appeared at the Imperial Palace, the matter’s true shape gradually came to light.
Marquis Snoril had attempted to force Hailey into marriage, so the Emperor had registered the marriage himself to prevent it—this law was to reverse that arrangement.
Early on, when Bloden’s eyes were elsewhere, the ministers had spoken among themselves.

“It may be vexing, but the Imperial House has suffered no true harm. Is annihilation of a house not excessive?”
“He seems fond of that woman. His readiness to act gives me concern—could His Majesty possess the temperament of a tyrant?”
“In any case, there’s no real need to meddle with such legislation. Few would have use for it.”

That a noble might take a commoner of their liking by force was something everyone hushed up—and it was not rare. While few might use such a law now, its existence would leave nobles vulnerable to lawsuits.
But when the ministers saw Bloden’s desperate efforts to rescue Hailey after she vanished into the Gate, their perspective shifted.
Everyone came to understand the Emperor’s heart toward Hailey.
When Count Enox and Raven presided over the councils in Bloden’s stead, the ministers’ opinions shifted once more.

“For such an offense to end in mere loss of rank…”
“His Majesty appears truly to be a sage-king.”
“Indeed, if His Majesty desires such a law, we ought to view it favorably.”

In their reckoning, Hailey was dead. They would then speak honeyed words to win Bloden’s favor, and at an opportune moment install whatever woman they championed as Empress—such was their calculation.
But Bloden returned from the Northern Region with Hailey at his side.
Witnessing the complete ruin of Anna and Duke Roan, the nobles recalculated once again.
Now it seemed better to push for Hailey as Empress outright, forgoing the Marriage Annulment Law entirely.
They would support Bloden and Hailey’s union, earning the Emperor’s favor, and then—when his affection for Hailey waned—promote some woman of their own choosing to the position of Empress, reshaping the balance of power to their advantage.
And today was the first council since Bloden’s return.
Bloden entered with Raven at his side.
Though the ministers paid proper deference to the Emperor, they felt apprehension toward Raven Aner.
They had believed him an exceptionally capable aide with a long record of service dating back to the previous reign—only to learn he was not human at all.
Yet regardless of his true nature, he had served at the side of the previous Emperor Lienda and Bloden for years without number.
So long as Bloden remained, Raven would conduct himself as he always had. The ministers had only to attend to their duties.
“The matter of punishing the traitor Anna and House Roan will surely arise.”
“His Majesty will report on the situation at the Northern Gate. Discussion of how to manage it going forward will be urgent as well.”
‘Most importantly, what we do about the collapsed Imperial Palace is the pressing matter.’
The ministers saw no need to discuss the Marriage Annulment Law itself.
With Emperor Bloden so sincere about it, who would dare refuse?
They could debate when to conduct the state marriage, but the marriage registration had already been processed as necessary administration—nullifying it would be meaningless anyway.
Yet the moment Bloden took his seat, a single question shattered their assumptions.
“How far has it progressed?”
“Pardon?”
“The Marriage Annulment Law.”
“……Ah, the Marriage Annulment Law?”
“According to Raven, you’ve been discussing it continuously. I’ve even heard the recent outlook is quite positive.”
The nobles at the council fell silent, exchanging glances with one another.
When Bloden’s brow furrowed, an elder noble stepped forward and spoke with measured composure.
“Your Majesty, if I may say, there would seem to be no need to revisit that bill at this juncture.”
“What?”
“If Your Majesty holds that woman dear, would it not be better to maintain the marriage registration?”
Bloden pressed his lips shut. A cold gaze swept toward Raven.
‘Ah, these cunning old foxes.’
They’d been acting as though they’d assent to the bill until recently, but today they’d apparently calculated differently and decided to outright oppose it.
‘If this goes wrong, I’ll be the one bearing the blame today—and it’ll cost me my neck.’
Sensing the danger, Raven dabbed cold sweat from his brow with a handkerchief and bowed respectfully to Bloden.
“Your Majesty, beyond the city gates, the people of the Empire are celebrating the Empire’s victory.”
“Why bring that up now?”
“Yesterday, Hailey named the divine beast ‘Bongsik,’ and the two of them went to Snoril together—she said she’d return today. There are a few earthenware jars still left in Snoril, you see.”
“That’s right.”
Raven checked his pocket watch.
“Once she returns, she intends to go into the city to view the festival. By my estimate, she should arrive at the Town Square in about thirty minutes.”
“But we’re in council now. What are you trying to say?”
“Given the gravity of recent events in the Empire, it seems the ministers have momentarily forgotten what we’ve been discussing. And assessing the people’s sentiment on the ground is also an urgent matter, is it not?”
His true identity was already revealed. So once it was just him and the ministers alone, they would naturally become more flexible in their thinking.
With that in mind, Raven smiled all the wider as he looked at Bloden’s deepening frown.
“Do go see Hailey. In the meantime, I shall conduct serious discussions on this matter and resolve it entirely, Your Majesty.”

* * *

The Spirit King’s bird comes to fetch me whenever I need it, carrying me anywhere I wish. And I’ve given the bird the name Bongsik for convenience, paying for the journey with the food I make.
This is the mutual cooperation agreement between the Spirit King’s bird and me.
And yesterday and today, the promise was fulfilled.
Bongsik carried me to Snoril. There, the bird ate the food I’d prepared with relish, and today it set me down again near the Capital.
“Bongsik, thank you. Thanks to you, I made the trip in record time.”
As I hopped down lightly and waved, Bongsik waved back in kind.
-Think nothing of it. The food you gave me was truly delicious. Call on me anytime you need.
Bongsik spread its great wings and soared skyward, disappearing from view in an instant.
After gazing at the sky for a while, I walked slowly toward the city. But the moment I passed through the city gate, a sweet melody reached my ears.

Hear now the ancient song of the Empire, drifting upon the wind.
The heavy fate of the imperial house bound by power and curse.
That chain which none thought could ever be severed.
At last one man cut it asunder with the point of his blade.
He who endured the blizzard of the Northern Region and the black night alone, bearing the weight of his solitary burden.
He who at last transcended it.
That name we now exalt: Bloden, our Emperor, the Star of Victory.

The entire Empire was now in the midst of a festival organized by the people themselves. And on one side of the street I entered, a bard stood with a lute, singing the praises of Bloden.
‘Goodness, the song is finished already, and less than four days have passed……’
Moreover, the new song was being received with great enthusiasm. People gathered in small groups were savoring the melody, and the basin at the bard’s feet was brimming with copper coins.
Moved myself, I dropped a gold coin into the bard’s basin. At the sight of it, the bard’s eyes widened and he sang the chorus all the more loudly.

Remember forever, children of generations yet to come.
The wings of the divine beast seated atop the Imperial Palace on the day ruin descended.
Remember forever, all those who sing.
The Emperor who severed the chains of fate and claimed victory.

‘Thank you, Bard.’
Once I’d heard the song through to the end, I moved on.
“Hehehehe!”
“Mother! Over here!”
Though not as lavish as Bloden’s Birthday Festival, the festival stalls grew denser as I walked toward the Town Square, their humble arrangement stretching outward while people moved about laughing and chattering with a vitality that lifted my spirits.
It was as though no one had ever trembled in fear or rushed to prepare for evacuation—the bright atmosphere made my mood all the better.
At the great fountain in the Town Square, another Bard was singing Bloden’s praises. I dropped a gold coin in his collection before heading straight for the Red Roof Building.
The salespeople I’d hired as assistant staff since Bloden’s Birthday Festival last year were bustling about, making preparations for the evening rush.
Though the Imperial Palace had cut its support before this year’s Birthday Festival began, the Merchant Guild Master who runs the kimbap business and Raven had generously agreed to collaborate, allowing us to continue operations.
‘Since I’m in the Capital, I should take a look around.’
When I was only a few steps away from the shop, an unexpected voice called out from beside me.
“Miss.”
I turned to find Bloden in a neat suit, his hair and eye color unchanged from his true form—no disguise as during his secret excursions—and he extended a bouquet toward me with a radiant smile.
“I fell for you at first sight. How about a date with me?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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